T'is The Season To Give...Give Blood In The Neighborhood That Is

At a time when there are so many things we can't control, there IS something we can. We can ensure that there is a healthy, adequate blood supply. We can ensure that patients will get the treatments they need. We can give blood!

Once again Morrison Mahoney LLP is hosting a Blood Drive in our neighborhood. 

Monday, November 30, 2020

8:30 am - 2 pm 

Morrison Mahoney 

250 Summer St.

Limited Slots Available

Sign Up For An Appointment Today

http://bit.ly/1130MGH or email mghblooddonorcenter@partners.org

The Blood Mobile will park on Summer Street.  Registration and refreshments will occur inside the first floor of 250 Summer Street – just follow the signs.  Only your medical screen (history, temp, iron check, BP) is done, the actual donation will take place on the Blood Mobile.  While the process is always clean and safe, MGH has added even additional safety protocols (between every donor they sanitize pens, clipboards, BP cuffs, etc.).

The blood supply is critically low right now. The average donation time is between 30 and 40 minutes. Appointments are necessary so everyone can be physically distanced. If you can give blood, please use the link above to make your appointment today.

Boston City Council Looks at MBTA Service Cuts, Minority Business Enterprises, Conservation Corps & More

City Councilor-At-Large Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. Below are a few highlights from November 18 and November 4, 2020. You can find the notes missed sending out over the last weeks on Michelle Wu's Facebook Page. Going forward, Council Notes will continue to be sent out via email only! For complete notes of Boston City Council meetings, visit MichelleForBoston.com to sign up to receive these notes automatically.

VOTES 

Roslindale Wetlands Urban Wild Resolution: The Council voted to adopt the resolution filed by Councilors O'Malley & Arroyo in support of inclusion and preservation of 108 Walter Street, a private parcel that is up for sale within the Roslindale Wetlands Urban Wild. The LAND Program was established in 1961 to assist municipal conservation commissions in acquiring land for natural resources protection and passive outdoor recreation purposes. The City of Boston applied for a LAND grant on July 15, 2020 for the purchase of land to be part of the Roslindale Wetlands Urban Wild area. 

Boston Black Hospitality Coalition Resolution: The Council voted to adopt the resolution filed by Councilors Janey & Mejia highlighting the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition's work to help impact black business throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. This coalition, founded by Nia Grace of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Restaurant and Royal C. Smith of District 7 Tavern, has magnified and amplified the need for resources to ensure that black-owned restaurants can stay afloat during the pandemic and beyond. 

Homeless Youth Awareness Month Resolution: The Council voted to adopt the resolution filed by Councilor Essaibi-George recognizing November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. 

NEW FILES

Gender Inclusivity on City Forms: Councilor Breadon & I filed an ordinance requiring language on City Forms to be inclusive of all gender identities and families, following the experience of constituents having been confronted with forms and applications without a non-binary or gender non-conforming designation at City Hall. The LGBTQIA+ community continues to face marginalization, discrimination, and violence, especially toward trans and non-binary community members. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Government Operations.

Conservation Corps: Councilor Bok called for a hearing on a city-level Conservation Corps for Boston, which could allow Boston to complete more capital projects that are environmentally focused, including retrofits of municipal buildings to reduce emissions and construction and installation of green infrastructure, as well as employ and train Boston residents, and allow Boston to meet its sustainability goals. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Environment, Sustainability & Parks. 

FY 2021 Tax Classification: Councilor Bok filed an order for Boston’s annual approval of a residential property exemption at the maximum level of savings for homeowners, 35%. This action must be taken prior to certification of the tax rate by the Department of Revenue. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Ways & Means.

Resolution Opposing MBTA Service Cuts: The Council voted to adopt the resolution I filed to officially oppose MBTA service cuts and urge implementation of essential public health and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the period of the first surge of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, the MBTA implemented rear-door boarding and suspended fare collection to ensure safety and health for drivers and all riders commuting during the public health crisis, but the agency rescinded these measures after case counts decreased. COVID-19 positivity rates are now accelerating as a second surge, but the agency has proposed cutting service, which would increase the risk of infection for riders and drivers. Given the potential for new federal resources starting in 2021, the MBTA should not enact permanent service cuts in 2020.

Flu Clinics: Councilor O'Malley called for a hearing to discuss access to the flu vaccine in the City of Boston. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as the flu is urgently important. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Public Health.

Access for Minority Business Enterprises to High-Volume Commercial Centers: Councilor Mejia called for a hearing to discuss addressing commercial segregation through focusing on access for MBEs to the high-volume commercial centers such as the Seaport, Newbury Street, and Faneuil Hall marketplace. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Small Business & Workforce Development.

BPD Gang Database: Councilors Campbell and Arroyo called for a hearing regarding the Boston Police Department's Gang Database. The Boston Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC) of the Boston Police Department (BPD) maintains a database of suspected gang involved persons in the City of Boston. The sponsors noted the lack of transparency and accountability with regards to publicly available data, the inability to request personal information from BRIC, information sharing with other law enforcement agencies, and the need to separate federal, state, and local law enforcement. Council President Kim Janey noted the alignment between this hearing order and the motivation behind the Community Control of Surveillance Ordinance that she, Councilor Arroyo, and I have filed. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice.

Restaurant renewal fees: Councilor Flynn called for a hearing to discuss waiving restaurant renewal fees for various permits and licenses given the tremendous financial stress on restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Small Business & Workforce Development.

 GRANTS 

• $457,671.85 FY21 State 911 Training Grant, awarded by the MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to be administered by the Police Department to fund the training and certification of Enhanced 911 telecommunications. This matter was referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice

• $9,781,393 CDBG FY20-Cares Supplemental grant, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Department of Neighborhood Development to fund programs to help alleviate housing and economic crisis conditions caused by COVID-19. (Passed)

• $182,841,467 for the purpose of paying costs of designing, constructing, equipping, and furnishing a new six story Josiah Quincy Upper School building at 900 Washington Street in the City of Boston; and $8,550,000 for the purpose of paying cost of designing, constructing, equipping, and furnishing a new six story Josiah Quincy Upper School building at 900 Washington Street in the City of Boston including the payment of costs incidental or related thereto. (Passed)

APPOINTMENTS

• Boston Landmarks Commission: Diana Parcon, David Berarducci, John Amodeo, Justine Orlando and Felicia Jacques confirmed as members 

• Beacon Hill Architectural Commission: Joel Pierce and PT Vineburgh confirmed as members

• Zoning Board of Appeals: Eric Robinson confirmed as a member & Hansy Better Barazza confirmed as an alternate member; Sherry Dong nominated as a member & Bethany Patten nominated as an alternate, pending Council confirmation

 UPCOMING HEARINGS (Streaming online)

• Our next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, December 2nd, at 12PM.

• Tuesday, November 24th at 4:30PM: Hearing to review the Melnea Cass Blvd Design Project (Planning, Development & Transportation)

• Monday, November 30th at 10:30AM: Hearing on Grants to fund various Transportation Projects in the City of Boston (Planning, Development & Transportation)

• Tuesday, December 1st at 12:30PM: Working session regarding an ordinance establishing a Civilian Review Board in Boston (Government Operations)

244 - 284 A St @ Boston Civic Design Commission Tuesday

Boston Civic Design Commission invites you to a meeting on 244 - 284 A Street (former Gillette parking lot site) on:

Tuesday, November 24, 2020
5 pm

Register in advance for this Zoom meeting: bit.ly/BCDCNov24 or participate by calling 833 568 8864 (Toll Free) with Meeting ID: 160 198 9859.

5:00 PM: 244-284 A Street, South Boston

6:00 PM: Dorchester Bay City, Dorchester

The Boston Civic Design Commission (BCDC) provides a forum for the general public and professional design community to participate in the shaping of the city's physical form and natural environment. BCDC is charged with critiquing the aesthetics of proposed development projects and ensuring that the projects have a positive impact on the city's public realm.

Your South Boston Newsletter Highlights

An update on events going on in South Boston and around the City from Haley Dillon, our Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services liaison. 

One addition, on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 244-284 A Street (former Gillette parking lot site) will be in front of the Boston Civic Design Commission (details under Events below).

Sign up for the South Boston Newsletter (scroll down Boston.gov page to Stay Connected section) 

Follow the South Boston Facebook Page (Facebook.com/SouthieONS) Our community meetings have moved to an online platform and all meeting links will be posted on our Facebook page. You do not need to have a Facebook to access the page and the information. Just type “Facebook.com/SouthieONS” into your browser and you can see information on all upcoming meetings in the South Boston area. Click here! ‘Moakley Talks’ Planning Discussions "Moakley Talks" is a series of discussions on key aspects of the Moakley Park planning process. We hope you’ll join in on the conversation! What to expect: Update on our initiatives since the 2018 Vision Plan Open House Hear the feedback we received Overview of current design  Upcoming outreach events Next Discussion: Moakley Talks: Public Health and Environment Tuesday, November 24, 2020, 6 - 7 p.m. | Join the November 24 meeting. More information here. Kick off 4 Kids Peloton Raffle   Kick off 4 Kids annual flag football tournament raises money to provide South Boston families and non-profits with funds to help families in need, especially during the holiday season. Due to COVID-19 they are unable to host their Annual Kickoff 4 Kids Tournament this Fall, but it’s vital to continue our important mission and tradition of donating toys and gifts to countless needy children and families this Holiday Season! Please consider taking a chance and please spread the word! Starting now, we are raffling off an amazing Peloton Bike! Venmo: Kickoff4Kids 1 for $20 (Field Goal)  3 for $50 (Touchdown)  8 for $100 (Game Winner)  Good luck all! We’ll see you in the Spring! For more information email allisonmbaker8@gmail.com.

Events 604-608 E Broadway What: Updates from last meeting. When: Monday, November 23, 5:30 PM Where: Join Webex Meeting Meeting number (access code): 173 102 5014 Meeting password: 604e 8 Lilly Street What: Proposed three story addition. When: Monday, November 23, 6:30 PM Where: Join Webex Meeting Meeting number (access code): 173 454 7702 Meeting password: lilly 753 E Broadway  What: Change of use from office space and bagel shop to bagel shop and 4 dwelling units. When: Monday, November 23, 7:30 PM Where: Join Webex Meeting Meeting number (access code): 173 452 0642 Meeting password: 753e 244-284 A Street (former Gillette parking lot site) What: Boston Civic Design Commission (urban design & public realm) When: Tuesday, November 24, 5:00 PM Where: Register Virtual Table Talk on the Boston Student College Experience What: The Office of Public Service & Community Outreach is hosting its second Virtual Table Talk regarding the Boston Student College Experience.  When: Friday, November 20, 4:30 PM.  Where: To register for the virtual meeting, please click here. Mayor’s Office of Public Service and Community Outreach Giving Thanks Contest The ‘Giving Thanks’ contest is a fun, creative, and safe way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Show OPS how you give thanks to your loved ones. Email your thank you notes, pictures, or videos to publicservice@boston.gov to enter for a chance to win a prize. The deadline for submissions is Friday, December 4. Reimagine Boston's Main Streets Join Mayor Martin Walsh and the Department of Economic Development on Monday, November 23 at 6:00 PM for the public launch to Reimagine Boston's Main Streets. All are invited! Register at https://live.remo.co/e/re-imagining-main-streets-2/register. City Announcements Mayor Walsh Announces Construction Completion of Key Healthy Streets Projects Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the completion of several Healthy Streets projects in Downtown, Mattapan, and Roslindale, to support transportation safety and reliability. These projects originate in  Go Boston 2030, the City's long-term transportation action plan, and were accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Walsh announced these projects earlier this fall as part of the second phase of the Healthy Streets transformation. Read more. Good Neighbors Program Has Fulfilled More Than 4500 Requests During Covid-19 Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the Good Neighbors program, a partnership with Nesterly that connects older, at-risk individuals with volunteers to help with basic needs, has fulfilled more than 4,500 requests for food delivery and friendly check-ins since its creation at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food deliveries and check-ins continue to serve residents who are at highest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and homebound. Read more. Mayor Walsh Releases Boston’s Zero-emission Vehicle Roadmap and Cuts Ribbon on Public Neighborhood Ev Chargers Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston has released its Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Roadmap, a long-term strategy to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and other zero-emission transportation, with specific actions to be taken by the City. In tandem, the Boston Transportation Department is installing publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in its neighborhood municipal lots.  Read more. New Covid-19 Relief Funds Available to Small Businesses Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the launch of three new funds totaling $6.3 million that will support small businesses within the City of Boston that have been affected by COVID-19, focusing on commercial rent relief, supporting certified women, minority, and veteran owned small businesses, and restaurant payroll and rental relief. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Boston has allocated more than $15 million toward direct grants to small businesses.  Read more. Mayor to File Ordinance to Create Office of Police Accountability and Transparency In keeping with his commitment to taking swift action on police reform, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced he will file an ordinance with the Boston City Council to create the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency to enact the Boston Police Reform Task Force recommendations. Mayor Walsh today also signed two executive orders to create Boston’s first-ever Civilian Review Board, and to create a stronger Internal Affairs Oversight Panel, both as recommended by the Task Force.  Read more. City of Boston Offering Expanded Recycling Resources for Residents Following through with recommendations made in the City of Boston's first ever Zero Waste Plan, the Boston Public Works Department (PWD) in partnership with northeast-based textile recycling company, Helpsy, began delivering dropboxes for residents to dispose of their textiles to municipal parking lots across Boston. These dropboxes are part of the City of Boston's work to expand recycling services citywide, creating a healthier and greener environment for generations to come.  Read more. Thanksgiving Guidance The City is asking people to spend Thanksgiving in person with only their current household. A big area of virus transmission is private gatherings. If you feel you must be with your family:  Keep it small and limit the number of guests.  In Boston, indoor gatherings should be 10 people or less. There are no exceptions.  Everyone should wear a mask when they are not eating or drinking, and everyone should stay 6 feet apart when possible. Look at how much space you have, and how many people can safely maintain distance.  Look at your ventilation and open windows if needed.  Consider spending time outdoors, weather permitting.  Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use. We have a range of guidelines for how to serve food safely that you can check out at boston.gov/coronavirus.  And if you travel out of state, follow the state guidelines on quarantine and testing when you return.  In fact: everyone should get tested before Thanksgiving and after Thanksgiving. The City is also asking our colleges and universities to tell students that  if they go home for Thanksgiving, they should not be returning to Boston this semester. Emerson College and Suffolk University simplified this issue by going fully remote after Thanksgiving, and Boston University and Harvard let students know they should not return in person if they go home.  We are asking all our colleges and universities to take similar steps. Read more.

Calling All Gardeners: A St Park Community Gardens Lottery

A Street Park

Community Gardens Lottery
  

Sunday, November 15, 2020

 10 am

Garden Plots

*Please bring your own pen to complete lottery form.*

Medallion Ave Extension in front of Channel Center Garage
in case of inclement weather, meet in the Channel Center Garage. 

A Street Park is a City of Boston Park bordered by Richards and W_. 1^st Streets featuring 8 garden plots, tot playground, dog park, half basketball court and flexible field_.

There will be four garden plots opening in 2021, three of these plots will be filled from the remaining 2018 lottery wait list, Names will be drawn for one 2021 garden plot and a eight garden waiting list_. Four garden plots will open in 2022 and be filled by the waiting list. Everyone on the waiting list will receive a plot within three years or less. If you are unable to attend, you may send a proxy providing a completed Proxy form is emailed to FPNA by November 13th at 5pm. Proxy may be involved in plot selection. Please bring your own pen to fill out your lottery entry. 

 

Garden plots are for a 3 year term to allow more people the opportunity to garden_. View Community Garden Lottery Terms & Procedures.

If you are designated a plot, you must be prepared to start planting your garden this spring_.

Any questions, please contact FPNA_.

originally published 10/29/20

Fort Point Landmarks November 2020 Meeting

 The FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on:

Thursday, November 12, 2020

6:00 PM

This hearing will be held virtually and NOT in person. 

You can participate in this hearing by going to our Zoom meeting link 

or by calling 929-205-6099 and entering meeting id  878 1413 9677  #. 

You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.gov 

or via Twitter @bostonlandmarks.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 21.0341 FPC  300 A Street

Applicant: Marie O’Brien (National Development)

Proposed Work: At the main roof and lower loading dock roof remove, replace, and relocate rooftop condenser units and associated mechanicals.

II.  ADVISORY REVIEW

22 BOSTON WHARF ROAD

Proposed Work: Construct a head house and roof deck

III: Ratification of 10/08/20,  09/10/20 & 8/13/20 Public Hearing minutes

IV. Staff Updates

Projected adjournment: 6:30 pm

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karoff, Lynn Smiledge, Vacancy

Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

244 - 284 A Street Channelside Development Comment Deadline Tuesday

What do you think about the 244-284 A Street (former Gillette parking lot site) 6.5 acre development? The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and Related Beal want to hear from you. A quick reminder that the comment deadline is Tuesday, November 10, 2020. Here are a few elements of the proposed development. View Project Notification Form and meeting presentations and videos for greater detail. 

Building Height
Two of the three buildings are taller than approved zoning. The property is zoned under PDA 69 aka 100 Acres Master Plan, for one 180 foot building and one 100 foot building at the Channel, and one 100 foot building closer to A Street. The proposed development calls for two 180 feet tall buildings along the Fort Point Channel; thereby, creating a wall of 180 feet buildings along the Harborwalk and a Life Sciences building along A Street of 123 feet plus 50 feet mechanicals (mechanicals are not included in zoning calculations). 

Transportation Improvements
The new development will bring more than 3,500 new residents and workers to our sidewalks and streets. This is in addition to the 1,000 or more workers and visitors to 5 and 15 Necco. Are the transportation improvements being proposed enough?

Appropriate Ground Floor Uses
State law requires the ground floor be for the public good and use. The types of uses currently proposed does not provide sufficient detail to ensure this is accomplished. What civic/community, cultural and retail spaces would you like to see?  How could they complement activation of the parks and watersheet? 

Affordable On-site Housing and Artist Live/Work
The City requires a mix of affordable residential units and zoning references the expansion of artist live/work spaces, all of which should be on-site.

Fort Point Park & Climate Resiliency
As identified in the 100 Acres Master Plan, the Fort Point Park and open green spaces are currently under design via the 100 Acres Open Space Planning Initiative. The final park design including ground floor uses (draft to be provided to the public mid-to-late November) must be incorporated in the next filing, the Draft Project Impact report, for subsequent community review. Do the proposed climate resiliency solutions protect the site, the inner neighborhood and Harborwalk? Is there adequate storm water containment for projected sea level rise and storm events? 

We would ask that you consider providing email feedback to the City to ensure neighborhood voices are heard. As in the past these types of communications are best done to both the BPDA and our City of Boston District Councilor:

Aisling Kerr, BPDA Project Manager - aisling.kerr@boston.gov

Ed Flynn, Boston City Councilor District 2 - ed.flynn@boston.gov